The Gloriousness of Gold: Unleashing its Luxury and Passion

Gold is more than just a colour; it embodies luxury, warmth, and timelessness. When we think of gold, we often associate it with wealth, power, and the divine. It's a hue that captures light and reflects it with a brilliance that no other colour can quite match.

As an artist myself, I enjoy working with gold as it feels like working with a touch of magic, infusing my artwork with a sense of history and grandeur.

Gold can range from a warm, rich yellow to a subtle, almost greenish hue. The versatility of gold makes it a favourite among artists from the early Renaissance to modern-day creatives. Whether used sparingly as an accent or lavishly as the primary colour in your artwork, gold can bring a sense of depth and dimension to any piece of art.

A Palette of Gold: Artists' Colours

When selecting gold pigments for your palette, the choice can be as varied as the artistic styles themselves. Below are some popular gold colours found in artist-grade paint ranges:

Winsor & Newton Gold Ochre: A warm, earthy gold, perfect for creating a sense of ancient, weathered richness. It's a more subdued gold, leaning towards a brownish yellow, making it ideal for landscapes or historical themes.
Golden Artist Colors Iridescent Gold Deep: This acrylic paint is rich and vibrant, with a reflective quality that adds depth to any painting. It has a darker tone, providing a dramatic, luxurious feel.
Liquitex Heavy Body Iridescent Antique Gold: A sophisticated, muted gold that offers a vintage, aged look. This paint is excellent for adding texture and a soft, metallic sheen to your work.
Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolor Iridescent Gold: A beautiful watercolour that shimmers with a soft golden glow. It's ideal for highlighting and accenting, offering a delicate sparkle that brings light and movement to watercolour paintings.
Golden Acrylics Micaceous Iron Oxide: Not exactly gold but a deep, blackish gold with a texture that catches light in a way that can mimic the look of metal. When mixed with other gold paints, it can create a range of metallic effects. I use this one often.
Schmincke Mussini Metallic Gold: This oil paint is rich and creamy, with a high pigment load that provides a striking gold colour. It's perfect for traditional oil painters looking to add a metallic finish to their artwork.

"The Night Flowers See But One Moon"

Complementary Colours to Pair with Gold

Gold is a remarkably versatile colour that pairs well with a range of other hues. Here are some colour combinations to consider:

Deep Blues and Navy

Blue is directly opposite gold on the colour wheel, making it a natural complementary colour. The coolness of a deep blue or navy brings out the warmth and richness of gold, creating a balanced and harmonious contrast.

Emerald Green

This rich, jewel-toned green pairs beautifully with gold, evoking the lushness of nature and the opulence of precious stones. It's a regal combination that can add a sophisticated elegance to your work.

Burgundy and Deep Red

Red hues bring out the warmth of gold, making the combination feel rich and passionate. Burgundy, in particular, complements gold beautifully, offering a deep, luxurious palette.

Purple and Violet

These colours, associated with royalty and luxury, work beautifully with gold. The contrast of cool purple with warm gold can create an extra sense of depth and richness.

Black and Charcoal

If you're wanting a more dramatic, modern look for your art, pair gold with black or deep charcoal. The stark contrast allows gold to stand out, making it the focal point of your artwork.

"I am Marilyn"

The Magic of Gold Leaf

Gold leaf, a beloved material for artists for centuries, has a rich history that dates back to ancient Egypt. It was used to adorn the tombs of pharaohs, adding a divine glow to the pages. In the Middle Ages, gold leaf was extensively used in illuminated manuscripts and religious iconography, further cementing its place in the artistic tradition.

Working with gold leaf is a testament to an artist's patience and delicate touch. These thin sheets of gold, applied to various surfaces, from canvas to wood to sculpture, require the utmost care as they are incredibly fragile and can easily tear. This process demands respect for the material and the art form.

One of the most enchanting aspects of using gold leaf is the way it transforms when it catches light. This thin sheet of gold, when applied, creates a luminous effect that changes with the viewer's perspective. Whether applied as a solid area for a bold, shiny statement, or in small, irregular patches for a hint of shimmer, gold leaf never fails to captivate.

The painting above "I am Marilyn" incorporates silver leaf as highlights, it catches the light in the evening and highlights her eyes.

Take a look at my article on using Gold Leaf for more information.

The Irresistible Appeal of Mica Flakes

In the world of modern art materials, mica flakes offer a unique way to introduce gold into your artwork. I use the Golden Paint range, which suspends the flakes (similar to glitter but better) in a get that dries transparent golden mica flakes that are simply gorgeous.

Their range includes gold, black, and pearl mica. They are small, reflective particles that add texture and a sparkling finish to your painting.

How to Use Mica Flakes in Your Artwork: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Mica flakes, with their ability to add a shimmering, multi-dimensional effect, are a versatile tool for artists. Whether you're working with abstract art, mixed media, or traditional painting, these flakes open up a world of creative possibilities.

In this guide, I'll walk you through different methods to incorporate mica flakes into your artwork, sparking your creativity and inspiring you to experiment with new techniques.

Method 1: Mixing Mica Flakes with Acrylic Paints

Prepare Your Workspace: Lay down a protective covering over your work area to catch any stray flakes. Mica flakes can be messy, so having a clean, organised space is helpful.
Mixing the Flakes: Pour a small amount of acrylic paint into a palette or mixing tray. Choose a paint colour that complements the colour of the mica flakes you plan to use. Add a pinch of mica flakes to the paint and mix thoroughly. Start with a small amount of flakes and add more if you want a more intense shimmer.
Applying the Paint: Use a brush or palette knife to apply the mica-infused paint to your canvas or chosen surface. As you apply the paint, you'll notice a subtle shimmer that catches the light, adding depth and interest to your work. You can build up layers for a more pronounced effect.
Drying Time: Allow the paint to dry completely. Mica flakes can add texture and dimension, so make sure the paint is thoroughly dry before adding any additional layers or details.

Method 2: Applying Mica Flakes on Top of Dried Paint

Prepare Your Painting: Begin with a finished painting that has already dried. Mica flakes can be added to any area of your artwork that you want to highlight or give a shimmering effect.
Applying Adhesive: Use a soft brush to apply a thin layer of adhesive to the areas on your artwork where you want to add mica flakes. You can use specialised adhesive mediums designed for art, or a transparent acrylic gel medium works well, too. Apply the adhesive sparingly; a little goes a long way.
Sprinkling the Flakes: While the adhesive is still wet, sprinkle the mica flakes over the surface. You can either sprinkle them directly from the container or use your fingers for a more controlled application. Experiment with different amounts of flakes to achieve various effects.
Setting the Flakes: Gently press the flakes into the adhesive using a soft brush or with clean dry fingers. Be careful not to smudge the adhesive, as this can disrupt the placement of the mica flakes.
Removing Excess Flakes: Allow the adhesive to dry completely. Once dried, gently brush off any of the excess mica flakes with a soft, dry brush. This step will reveal a beautiful, shimmering finish that will atch the light from different angles.

Method 3: Using Pre-Mixed Mica Flake Gels

Choosing the Right Product: Some art supply brands, like the Golden Paint range, offer pre-mixed mica flake gels. These gels are already prepared with mica flakes suspended in an artist-grade gel medium, making application easy and mess-free.
Application: Its best to use a palette knife to scoop out a small amount of mica flake gel. Apply it directly to your painting or chosen surface. Spread the gel smoothly or create texture using the palette knife's edge to create ridges and patterns. it will dry transparent with texture as the gel shrinks back once dry.
Layering: To create a base layer, you can apply the mica flake gel over your dried paint or directly onto a pre-prepared blank canvas. Try experimenting with different thicknesses and layering techniques to see how the light reflects off the mica flakes.
Drying: Make sure you let the mica flake gel dry completely. Depending on the thickness of the application, drying times can vary. Make sure it's fully dry before adding any additional layers or details.

Tips for Working with Mica Flakes

Experiment with Colour: Mica flakes come in various colours, from gold and silver to iridescent and coloured flakes. Experiment with different colour combinations to create unique effects.
Combine Techniques: Don't be afraid to combine these methods. Use mica flake-infused paint as a base layer, then add a top layer of mica flakes for even more dimension.
Play with Light: The placement of mica flakes can change how your artwork looks under different lighting conditions. Experiment with different light sources to see how the shimmer and shine change.
Seal Your Work: To ensure that the mica flakes stay in place and to protect the surface of your artwork, consider applying a clear acrylic varnish or sealant over the finished piece.

Mica flakes are a transformative medium that can bring a new level of depth, texture, and sparkle to your art. Whether mixed into paint or applied as a top layer, they offer a way to play with light and colour that is both captivating and beautiful.

The possibilities are endless, and the shimmering magic of mica flakes is ready to enhance your artistic creations. Get ready to be excited and eager to experiment with these transformative flakes! In the painting below, titled "Unsquared" I have used pearl mica as a highlight and texture.

"Unsquared"

The Gold Conclusion

Gold is more than a colour; it's a statement. Whether you're using it to convey wealth and power, to evoke historical grandeur, or simply to add a touch of sparkle to your work, gold is a versatile and timeless choice.

From the rich tones of gold paint to the luminous shine of gold leaf and the sparkle of mica flakes, there are countless ways to incorporate this beautiful hue into your art. Embrace the allure of gold, and let it bring your creations to life. Look at Gustav Klimt's 'The Kiss' or Vincent van Gogh's 'The Starry Night' for inspiration on how gold can transform a painting.